Violin Augmentation Techniques for Learning Assistance
Abstract
Learning violin is a challenging task requiring execution of pitch tasks with the left hand
using a strong aural feedback loop for correctly adjusting pitch, concurrent with the right hand
moving a bow precisely with correct pressure across strings. Real-time technological assistance
can help a student gain feedback and understanding helpful for learning and maintaining
motivation. This thesis presents real-time low-cost low-latency violin augmentations that can
be used to assist learning the violin along with other real-time performance tasks.
To capture bow performance, we demonstrate a new means of bow tracking by measuring bow
hair de
ection from the bow hair being pressed against the string. Using near- eld optical
sensors placed along the bow we are able to estimate bow position and pressure through linear
regression from training samples. For left hand pitch tracking, we introduce low cost means for
tracking nger position and illustrate the combination of sensed results with audio processing
to achieve high accuracy low-latency pitch tracking. We subsequently verify our new tracking
methods' e ectiveness and usefulness demonstrating low-latency note onset detection and
control of real-time performance visuals.
To help tackle the challenge of intonation, we used our pitch estimation to develop low latency
pitch correction. Using expert performers, we veri ed that fully correcting pitch is not
only disconcerting but breaks a violinist's learned pitch feedback loop resulting in worse asplayed
performance. However, partial pitch correction, though also linked to worse as-played
performance, did not lead to a signi cantly negative experience con rming its potential for
use to temporarily reduce barriers to success. Subsequently, in a study with beginners, we
veri ed that when the pitch feedback loop is underdeveloped, automatic pitch correction did
not signi cantly hinder performance, but o ered an enjoyable low-pitch error experience and
that providing an automatic target guide pitch was helpful in correcting performed pitch
error.
Authors
Pardue, Laurel S.Collections
- Theses [4143]